Bartra: "I never had a problem with Messi; it was blown out of proportion"

Marc Bartra played down any possible conflict with Leo Messi when, during a training session at the start of the season, the Argentine criticised him for going in for a challenge too hard. "It has been blown out of all proportion. The subject has now been closed, and there's no point talking about it any further. Everything is fine and there are no problems. Nothing happened", he confirmed.

Furthermore, when asked if he would vote for himself to win the Ballon d'Or, as Cristiano Ronaldo said he would, Bartra chose to heap praise on Messi instead: "Everyone has their own opinion. Cristiano is a good player, but over and above him there's another great player and we have him in our team. We have a number of great players actually, but I'll always believe Leo to be the best."

Bartra, aged 21, was one of the four players from the youth team that joined the first team this season and, despite his team's numerous injuries in defence, his first official game of the season didn't come until the Celtic game in the Champions League, the very same team the 'Azulgranas' will face this Wednesday.

"Every player wants to play and get time on the pitch. But what's most important is to have a clear understanding of where you are and, once you know that, you know what players there are around you and what you can do well. I knew that my chance could come at any moment, and when that chance comes you need to make the most of it", explained the defender.